In just four years

It has been one long journey to the podium for Alia Saeed Mohammed.

In 2010, I watched the United Arab Emirates (UAE) runner finish first in the Asia Area Qualifying Session for the Youth Olympics (top). For reasons not explained she didn’t feature in the YOG. Then from 2011 to 2014, it was all 10th place finishes or lower at all IAAF outdoor and indoor meets.

Tonight, on 27 Sep, she won the 2014 Asian Games 10,000 metres in 31:53 (bottom) in a fantastic race. A performance worthy of being the first Emirati sportswoman to win a gold medal. Congratulations on the win, and here’s to many more golds to come!

(Photos via Rich Seow and Zimbio)

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